Casio EX-FH25 vs Fujifilm S9800

Casio EX-FH25 vs Fujifilm S9800: A Definitive Superzoom Bridge Camera Battle

In the evolving landscape of digital photography, bridge cameras with small sensors and extensive zoom ranges continue to be alluring for photography enthusiasts who prioritize versatility and convenience over interchangeable lenses. Today, we present a thorough comparison of two notable contenders in this niche: the Casio EX-FH25, announced in mid-2010, and the Fujifilm S9800, announced in early 2015. Both occupy the “small sensor superzoom” category with SLR-like bridge body designs and fixed lenses aimed at consumers seeking broad focal length versatility and straightforward handling.

Drawing on over 15 years of hands-on experience testing cameras across genres, this article delves deep into their technical specifications, real-world performance, and suitability across photography disciplines. We evaluate ergonomics, sensor technology, optics, autofocus, video capabilities, and more, offering practicality-driven insights to help you find the superzoom camera that aligns with your photographic ambitions.

A Tale of Two Superzooms: Physicality and Handling

Superzoom cameras are meant to marry extreme focal range with comfortable, intuitive handling - a balance that can make or break user experience. Both the Casio EX-FH25 and Fujifilm S9800 emulate DSLR-like ergonomics with bridging bodies, but subtle differences affect handling intricacies.

The Casio EX-FH25, weighing 524g and measuring 122 x 81 x 83mm, is slightly more compact and lighter. Its 3-inch, fixed-position LCD screen has a modest 230k resolution, which already signals a more entry-level usability. It uses 4 AA batteries - a convenient choice offering universal availability but practical limitations on weight and battery life.

Fujifilm’s S9800, at 670g and 123 x 87 x116 mm, is noticeably bulkier and heavier, partly due to its longer zoom lens and larger battery pack (also 4 x AA). The 3-inch screen features a sharper 460k resolution, delivering preview clarity that aids precise framing and review, especially vital for wildlife or travel photography.

The top view also reveals design philosophies:

Fujifilm’s controls are more sophisticated, featuring illuminated buttons and dedicated dials for exposure compensation and shooting modes, thereby improving quick access during dynamic shooting scenarios. Casio’s control cluster is simpler and less ergonomic, which may hinder rapid adjustments during wildlife or sports shoots.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the Fujifilm S9800 favors photographers who demand more tactile control and image review precision, while the EX-FH25 caters to casual users who appreciate lightness and simplicity.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Both cameras use the ubiquitous 1/2.3" CMOS sensor size (about 6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor dimensions), but underlying sensor performance and processing influence image quality markedly.

• Casio EX-FH25 sports a 10-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which, at the time of launch, was reflective of a mid-range entry-level sensor. It supports RAW capture - an advantage for post-processing flexibility - but lacks extensive ISO range, topping out at ISO 3200 native.

• Fujifilm S9800 features a mature 16-megapixel CMOS sensor with a native ISO range stretching up to 12800, a considerable evolution offering more versatility in low-light conditions. However, it lacks RAW support, which is an important caveat for enthusiasts who demand extensive editing latitude.

In practical testing, the Fujifilm’s higher resolution yields more detailed images, especially noticeable in landscape and travel shots where pixel-level clarity impacts print size and cropping flexibility. The wider native ISO range paired with Fujifilm’s proven color science also results in cleaner high-ISO images, which benefits night and astro photography, as well as indoor event shooting.

Conversely, while the Casio EX-FH25’s BSI sensor technology enhances its low-light sensitivity relative to other cameras of its time, image noise becomes noticeable beyond ISO 800, limiting usability in dim environments without flash.

Therefore, for image quality-conscious users, especially those shooting or printing larger images, the Fujifilm S9800 is technically superior if you’re comfortable working entirely in JPEG.

The Battle of Lenses: Zoom Range and Aperture

Superzoom cameras thrive on focal reach, and here the specifications diverge significantly.

• Casio EX-FH25 offers a fixed 20x zoom lens that translates to 26-520 mm in 35mm equivalent terms, with a constant max aperture starting at f/2.8 at the wide end, closing to f/4.5 telephoto. The lens design balances brightness and reach for a compact system.

• Fujifilm S9800 boasts a staggering 50x zoom lens, spanning 24-1200 mm equivalent, starting at f/2.9 wide but narrowing considerably to f/6.5 at full telephoto.

While the Fujifilm’s telephoto capabilities unlock wildlife and distant landscape details inaccessible to the Casio, the narrower max aperture at the long end impacts low-light telephoto shots, demanding faster shutter speeds or higher ISO settings, which in turn may degrade image quality.

Macro performance is also nuanced: the Casio supports close focusing from as near as 1cm, promising razor-thin detail shots, whereas Fujifilm’s minimum focus distance sits at 7cm, still workable but less ultra-close.

Both integrate image stabilization - Casio uses sensor-shift type, Fujifilm favors optical stabilization. In real-world handheld shooting at long focal lengths, Fujifilm’s optical system offers more effective shake reduction, an important asset when shooting telephoto wildlife or sports.

Autofocus Systems Under the Microscope

Autofocus (AF) technology is arguably the most critical factor in fast-paced photography such as wildlife, sports, and street shooting.

• The Casio EX-FH25 employs a contrast-detection AF system with no continuous AF or multiple focus points. It supports AF in live view and single AF mode but lacks tracking or face detection.

• In contrast, the Fujifilm S9800 incorporates a more advanced AF setup with contrast detection, continuous AF, face detection, and can engage tracking capabilities and multiple AF areas for selective focus.

This edge in autofocus sophistication translates into tangible performance differences. In challenging lighting or fast action scenarios, the Fujifilm camera’s AF proves quicker and more reliable in locking focus, while the Casio struggles with focus hunting and is effectively limited to static subjects.

For genres like wildlife and sports photography, where decisive AF can mean the difference between a keepable shot and a missed opportunity, the Fujifilm S9800 distinctly excels. Conversely, for portraiture or landscape where subjects are static, the Casio remains adequate.

Display and Viewfinder: Seeing Your Shot

Visual feedback is crucial for accurate composition and focus confirmation during shooting.

The Fujifilm’s 3-inch LCD with 460k-dot resolution offers much greater clarity than the Casio’s 230k-dot screen. This makes image review, manual focusing, and menu navigation easier and less straining on the eyes, particularly under daylight conditions.

Fujifilm also includes a 920k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering 97% of frame, providing a precise, eye-level shooting experience that lets users compose comfortably even in bright outdoor conditions. Casio’s EX-FH25 also has an EVF but with no specified resolution and smaller coverage, diminishing framing accuracy and usability.

This difference is especially impactful for street photography and travel, where discreet and quick framing matters, as well as in wildlife shooting scenarios requiring steady eye-level framing for telephoto shots.

Speed and Buffer: Continuous Shooting Aptitude

Sustained frame rate and buffer depth matter greatly in action genres.

• Casio EX-FH25 claims an impressive 40fps burst rate, but this is limited to low resolution and very brief bursts, mainly targeted at high-speed video or experimental shooting.

• Fujifilm S9800 manages 10fps in continuous shooting mode, significantly slower but producing full-resolution images with more reliable autofocus tracking.

For sports and wildlife photographers, sustained burst rate with accurate AF tracking at full resolution is paramount. Despite the Casio’s headline burst speed, its lack of continuous AF and low-resolution frames makes it unsuitable for serious action photography.

Video Capabilities: Modern Demands on a Bridge Camera

Video is now an integral part of camera functionality and usability.

• The Casio EX-FH25 offers up to 640 x 480 resolution video at 120fps, and high-frame-rate modes enabling super slow-motion capture up to 1000fps at very low resolution. Its video format is Motion JPEG.

• Fujifilm S9800 provides Full HD (1920x1080) recording at 60i and 720p at 60p, with H.264 compression - a marked advantage for higher-quality video and compatibility with editing workflows.

Neither camera supports touchscreen focus or 4K video, expected given their age and category, but the Fujifilm’s HD output and better codec make it more acceptable for casual video recording.

Neither include microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio capture customization, but Fujifilm supports HDMI output for external recording, a plus for serious videographers.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

Battery endurance can make a vital difference on long shoots or travel.

• The Fujifilm states a rated battery life of approximately 300 shots per charge (using four AA batteries), a figure supported in field tests, whereas Casio does not specify life expectancy.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC cards; Fujifilm adds SDXC compatibility, allowing more modern, higher-capacity cards.

Connectivity-wise, Casio includes Eye-Fi wireless card support, enabling wireless image transfer - a rare feature for the era - while Fujifilm offers no wireless option. USB 2.0 is standard on both, with Fujifilm including an HDMI port, beneficial for tethered shooting or on-set review.

Toughness and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is weather-sealed, dustproof, or freezeproof - common limitations in the superzoom bridge category. Price points reflect this, so users in demanding outdoor environments should use protective housing or consider other ruggedized options.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Disciplines

The ultimate test is how these cameras perform across popular genres.

Casio EX FH25 front Casio EX FH25 screen back Fujifilm S9800 front Fujifilm S9800 screen back

Portrait Photography:
Fujifilm’s face detection and higher resolution sensor produce pleasing skin tones and better bokeh quality at wide apertures. Casio, lacking face detection and with moderate sensor resolution, produces flatter portraits.

Landscape Photography:
Higher resolution and dynamic range favor Fujifilm for detailed landscapes. Casio’s limited dynamic range requires cautious exposure management.

Wildlife Photography:
Fujifilm’s 50x zoom and superior AF system excel at distant subjects, while Casio’s 20x zoom with contrast AF is best suited to less dynamic settings.

Sports Photography:
Accurate continuous AF and reasonable burst rate make Fujifilm the obvious choice; Casio struggles with focus and frame rate consistency.

Street Photography:
Casio’s smaller size and lighter weight enhance portability. However, Fujifilm’s EVF and manual controls better support quick shooting.

Macro Photography:
Casio’s 1 cm close focus surpasses Fujifilm’s 7 cm, providing sharper extreme close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography:
Fujifilm’s ISO ceiling and exposure control offer more usable images in dim environments.

Video Capabilities:
Fujifilm’s HD video recording is clearly more versatile.

Travel Photography:
Casio’s lighter weight appeals for casual travel, while Fujifilm’s extended zoom and battery life favor more committed travel photographers.

Professional Work:
Neither qualifies as a pro-grade camera due to sensor size and build; Fujifilm’s RAW lack hinders professional RAW workflows despite better controls.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

In benchmark-style analysis, Fujifilm S9800 scores consistently higher in sensor performance, autofocus, and video capability, while Casio EX-FH25 gains modest marks for size and close-up macro.

Conclusion: Which Superzoom Camera Is Right For You?

Having extensively tested and analyzed these models, here is the bottom line:

• The Fujifilm S9800 is the superior all-around superzoom, offering notably better image quality, autofocus reliability, video capabilities, and user controls. Its 50x zoom opens creative doors for wildlife and travel photographers, albeit with the trade-off of higher weight and a narrower aperture at telephoto. Enthusiasts seeking a balance of performance and versatility, especially those shooting wildlife, landscapes, or video, will appreciate the S9800's feature set.

• The Casio EX-FH25, while older and more limited, remains a lightweight, straightforward option ideal for budget-conscious users primarily interested in casual travel, macro, or slow-motion video enthusiasts. Its small size, unique high-frame-rate video modes, and ultra-close focusing make it a niche yet fun choice.

Recommendations by User Type:

Ultimately, these cameras demonstrate the inherent trade-offs of superzoom bridge cameras: long zoom ranges and compact sensor sizes impose constraints on image quality and speed. However, with judicious selection reflecting your priorities and style, either can offer enjoyable photographic experience.

This extensive side-by-side underscores how advancements in sensor resolution, autofocus sophistication, and video capabilities over time can materially improve shooting outcomes even within the same category. Prospective buyers must weigh ergonomic preferences alongside technical specs to find the model best matching their creative workflow.

Thank you for trusting our in-depth experience and technical evaluation in guiding your photographic equipment decisions.

If purchase links or further detailed specifications are desired, professional review sites and original manufacturer pages provide official support documentation.